Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Boogie-Woogie," Kevin Young weaves a whimsical narrative around the themes of love, performance, and temporality. The poem serves as an ode to both the fleeting nature of romantic excitement and the performative elements inherent in relationships. The speaker offers to take on multiple roles, each evoking a distinct aspect of human interaction and celebration, thereby suggesting that love is not a static experience but a dynamic one, full of oscillations and phases.

The opening lines, "I'll be your lunch date, your party / tavonite-," introduce the speaker's willingness to adapt to different social situations for the sake of love. The term "lunch date" brings a casual, day-to-day quality, while "party" suggests an environment of heightened excitement and visibility. The misspelled or fragmented "tavonite" is a playful distortion, possibly indicating the imperfections that come with trying to fit into various molds.

"windl / up & watch me run / down-ten nine eight-" immediately introduces the motif of time and anticipation. The "wind up" and "run down" phrases evoke a mechanical toy, something that operates on a limited timeframe but brings great joy during its moments of activity. The countdown "ten nine eight" enhances the sense of urgency and anticipation, which are often found in romantic pursuits.

"I'm your New Year's Eve, hat / with the propeller on it-confetti / & kiss me," layers more elements of celebration and performance onto the relationship. New Year's Eve is a universal symbol of renewal and festivities, while the "hat with the propeller" conjures an image of childlike wonder and amusement. The mention of "confetti" serves to illustrate the exuberance that comes with new beginnings, and the imperative "kiss me" hones in on the emotional intimacy underlying the spectacle.

"I'm kazoo for you / fool, counting down the days," further amplifies the sense of playful dedication. A kazoo, a simple musical instrument often used in amateur settings, reflects the speaker's willing simplicity and adaptability for the sake of love. The word "fool" conveys a willingness to appear silly or unguarded, emphasizing that love often makes 'fools' of us in the most endearing way.

"like those numbers before films, a glimpse / that once, before Abbott & Costello," ends the poem on a note of nostalgia and evanescence. The speaker likens their own feelings to the countdown numbers shown before films, a retro detail that evokes a sense of anticipation. The reference to Abbott & Costello, comedy legends of classic cinema, adds a layer of historical context, implying that love can be both timeless and timely.

In "Boogie-Woogie," Kevin Young takes the reader on a joyous ride through the different stages and roles of a romantic relationship, all captured within a brief but rich tapestry of words. The poem serves as a lively testament to the complexities, performances, and simple joys inherent in love, encapsulating them in vibrant images and playful language.

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